Murray Dairy has appointed Leanne Mulcahy as its new chief executive officer.

Ms Mulcahy was raised on a dairy farm near Tatura and has spent her career working across northern Victoria.

With an extensive background in regional and economic development, Ms Mulcahy most recently worked as director, development and planning at Swan Hill Rural City Council.

Prior to that, she worked in regional development roles at Greater Shepparton City Council and Department of Planning and Community Development.

Ms Mulcahy, who worked as a journalist and public relations consultant earlier in her career, is excited at the opportunity to work within the region’s key agricultural industry.

‘‘Through my previous roles, I understand the value of the dairy industry in the Murray Dairy region and the importance of the flow-on revenue that milk production brings to our local communities,’’ she said.

‘‘In the current environment, dairying certainly faces challenges but there are also real opportunities including a rapidly increasing global demand for dairy products.

‘‘I look forward to working with dairy farmers, the Murray Dairy team and other key groups to take advantage of opportunities and to help position the region to enhance the long-term prosperity of our dairy industry.’’

A graduate of the Goulburn Murray Fairley Leadership Program, Ms Mulcahy holds a Diploma of Business Management and is currently completing a Masters of Business Administration.

Murray Dairy chairman Malcolm Holm welcomed Ms Mulcahy’s experience as well as her insights into the needs of the dairy industry.

‘‘Leanne brings a range of skills and attributes that will be important for Murray Dairy over the next few years,’’ Mr Holm said.

‘‘We are operating in a dynamic and challenging period and Leanne’s appointment will assist us to address issues, such as the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.’’

The search for a new chief executive officer was the result of a recent review of Murray Dairy, which also saw Sarah Parker take on the newly created role of operations manager. Ms Mulcahy will start her role on January 21.